Even men who stay focused on proper male organ health care may at times discover ulcers or sores that may take them aback. It can be both surprising and worrisome to find these sores on the manhood, especially when a man has taken the time and trouble to behave responsibly in terms of intimate activity and to perform frequent health checks on his valuable equipment. These feelings are normal, but learning about the causes of male organ sores may help to allay some fears.

What are they?
A male organ ulcer is an open sore on a man's member. Sometimes, a sore may appear alone and unaccompanied; at other times, there may be several of them at once.

These ulcers can vary in the amount of pain they cause; sometimes they are relatively pain-free, at other times they may be raw and sensitive and induce a significant amount of pain. Often they are accompanied by rashes, itching and swelling.

What causes them?
There can be numerous causes for these ulcers. The reason that so many men panic when they spot a male organ ulcer is because they are frequently associated with partner transmitted infections. Among the infections that may cause the appearance of male organ ulcers are:

• Treponema pallidum disease. This is a very serious infection that can cause significant damage or even death if not treated properly. It is curable with antibiotics if treated promptly; however, this will not undo any damage which has already been suffered before treatment was begun.

• HSV. One of the most common social diseases, with about 1 in 6 people between 14 and 49 infected, this viral infection can be very painful, especially in people with immune system issues. It cannot be cured, but it can be managed.

• Chancroid. A condition in which the ulcers tend to be larger and more painful than with other types of infections. Chancroid is very rare in the United States and much more common in developing countries.

• Mononucleosis. An infection caused by the Epstein-Barr virus, mononucleosis is characterized by a feeling of extreme fatigue, fever and sore throat. Treatment usually involves addressing symptoms, while the virus runs its course on its own time.

• Granuloma inguinale. A bacterial disease often called donovanosis, granuloma inguinale is rare in the United States and more common in tropical climates. Left untreated, it can cause significant male tissue damage.

• “The clam.” The most common partner transmitted infection in the U.S., the clam usually has only small effects on men, but it can destroy a woman's reproductive system – so men must take care not to pass this disorder on.

While male organ ulcers often are indicative of a social disease, there can be other causes as well, including:

• Skin wound or abscess. Frequently the ulcer appears simply as a result of a bacterial skin infection or a cut, abrasion or other trauma visited upon the male organ.

• Yeast infection. Also known in men as "thrush."

• Scabies. An itchy skin rash caused by tiny mites; often but not always passed on through intimate contact.

• Cancer. Fortunately, male cancer is fairly rare. While an ulcer may be indicative of cancer, it's wise to remember that this is far from the most likely reason for sores.

Proper treatment of male organ ulcers, especially those with an underlying infection as a cause, is extremely important. For sores caused by common skin issues, and for relief of the itching and soreness that can accompany ulcers, a superior male organ health cream (health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil) can make a big difference. The most effective creams are those with double-barreled moisturizing power, via ingredients like Shea butter and vitamin E. It's also important that the cream contain a powerful antioxidant like alpha lipoic acid in order to counteract harmful oxidative effects that early age male organ cells.